A Love Letter To Majestic Auckland

FROM USA, WITH LOVE!

Dear Auckland,

It has been over two years now since we parted company. While the world around us has gone through much change, sitting here in my downtown office in Houston, in the midst of winter, my heart yearns to be back with my beloved New Zealand.

I vividly remember the beautifully presented presidential suite with stunning panoramic views of the Waitematā Harbour and Viaduct Marina filled with classic boats and luxury launches - with the ebb and flow of the tide endlessly marking the passage of time on vacation. Gina and I could not have asked for better sleeping arrangements. Certainly got us looking at the real estate pages and get a read of what properties are selling for.

I miss the village atmosphere, the sight of families walking, on scooters and e-bikes flitting around the promenade, soaking up the waterfront vibe, pausing every now and then for a picture-perfect photo opportunity (or a selfie!), with the beautiful marina providing an iconic backdrop with its ever-changing hues of colour at sunrise and sunset.

I miss seeing the friendly locals (never met a more welcoming bunch of people) and fellow travellers sea-kayaking, jet skiing, paddleboarding and swimming in the clear turquoise waters. I miss seeing the orcas playing in the harbour and the sealions, sting rays and octopus swimming so freely amongst the boats – an endearing sight to behold of nature’s abundance and majesty literally at your doorstep.

I miss the peacefulness, serenity and tranquillity of ocean front living, the dynamic energy of the neighbourhood – which really is a hub of precincts for shopping, dining, relaxing, health and wellness, water activities, and a spot of local art and culture.

I miss the beautiful Auckland summer, the cosmopolitan locals all looking fit and tanned, like they have been sailing around the Hauraki Gulf all their lives…living the effortlessly, laidback riviera dream lifestyle but getting on with work at the same time.

You truly are blessed with delicious, succulent seafood (the fish sliders at Depot), the subtle salty, savouriness of your coastal lamb, the grass-fed aged Angus beef, the sun kissed golden kiwifruit with an almost tropical mango flavour, crunchy crisp apples, an endless variety of summer berries and, of course, we cannot forget the fresh figs from the local organic orchards…simply divine!

I miss cruising to the absolutely charming Waiheke Island, with its golden sandy beaches, filled with alfresco dining spots for long, lazy lunches, the exquisite vineyards (Tantalus was fabulous and wading through the ocean from our motor launch to get to Man O’ War was pretty special), with the wine maturing in oak barrels, watching as nature transforms their grapes into something ethereal, all shedding light on the foreign-to-me concept of island time, which feels even more distant now from so far away. It was pure bliss to watch the sun go down while munching on an excellent pizza and washing it down with a local Sauvignon Blanc.

Auckland, you won my heart many years ago. I miss the early morning sunrise over Rangitoto, the leisurely stroll along the boardwalk under the Harbour Bridge, obligatory coffee (the finest) in hand. And the sight of the pink rays of the sun setting over the wild west coast black sand beaches is unforgettable – as the locals say, it’s just another day in paradise!

It’s hard to express how very much at home we felt at Point Residence – your generous hospitality was truly remarkable. We were left wanting for nothing! We packed so much into our time – the golfing, fishing and hiking expeditions were all magical.

Auckland, till we meet again - sadly, nothing fixed yet at the moment until your borders are open to your international friends - we look forward to seeing you soon - like, real soon.

Happy Valentines! 

Affectionately yours,

Rick & Gina

Houston | Texas

USA